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  Halachically there is no problem with shopping on motzei Shabbos. The Rebbe Rashab would not give out money for household expenses on motzei Shabbos, instead he would give the money to his Rebbetzin before Shabbos and she would buy…  Halachically there is no problem with shopping on motzei Shabbos. The Rebbe Rashab would not give out money for household expenses on motzei Shabbos, instead he would give the money to his Rebbetzin before Shabbos and she would buy things motzei Shabbos. From this is evident 1 of 2 things: either that it was a private minhag of the Rebbe Rashab, or that his minhag was only to refrain from designating money but not from shopping itself.   ראה רשימת היומן ע׳ נא (פולין סיון-מנ״א תרצ״ב). אג"ק חכ"ז ע' מא. תורת מנחם כרך כא עמ' 272, ושם שיש לזה…Show more
  The Rebbe said neither. Her ears can be pierced when the parents wish to do so and it’s deemed safe.   ראה לקו״ש כ ע׳ 568, בהוצאת תשמ״ט ואילך. בהוצאות הקודמות נפלה טה״ד. וגרם לאי-הבנה. ושקו״ט עד״ז בכמה מקובצי…  The Rebbe said neither. Her ears can be pierced when the parents wish to do so and it’s deemed safe.   ראה לקו״ש כ ע׳ 568, בהוצאת תשמ״ט ואילך. בהוצאות הקודמות נפלה טה״ד. וגרם לאי-הבנה. ושקו״ט עד״ז בכמה מקובצי ההערות. אבל נדפס לנכון בתשובות וביאורים בשו״ע ע׳ 388. שערי הלכה ומנהג ד ע׳ רטז. ועוד. וראה גם העו״ב שלח תשנ״ג. הערות הת׳ ואנ״ש כפ״ח שמות תשנ״ג. ועוד.     #6323Show more
  Full Question: Sometimes when sitting at a table, one's skirt may slide up. If the knees were exposed and visible, one would certainly cover them immediately, however, in this case the knees are covered by the table and partially  Full Question: Sometimes when sitting at a table, one's skirt may slide up. If the knees were exposed and visible, one would certainly cover them immediately, however, in this case the knees are covered by the table and partially the table cloth. In such a situation, must one cover their knees specifically by their skirt, or does the table/cloth suffice? In general, is it halachically acceptable for one to cover one's knees with a material other than one's own clothes when sitting or reclining?   Answer: In general, one may cover their body with any material. For example, one…Show more
  בענין שיש לו כבר ביגוד ואוכל וכו'. הנה להוי ידוע שעני רשאי לקבל צדקה עד שיהיה לו קרן שיתפרנס הוא בני ביתו מהרויח (שו"ע יורה דעה סימן רנ"ג סעיף ו') ומשמעות הפוסקים שבכלל, מותר לו לקבל צדקה עד שיהיו…  בענין שיש לו כבר ביגוד ואוכל וכו'. הנה להוי ידוע שעני רשאי לקבל צדקה עד שיהיה לו קרן שיתפרנס הוא בני ביתו מהרויח (שו"ע יורה דעה סימן רנ"ג סעיף ו') ומשמעות הפוסקים שבכלל, מותר לו לקבל צדקה עד שיהיו לו להוצאות של שנה שלימה. (ערוך השלחן יורה דעה סי' רנ"ג סעיף ב'. משפט וצדקה, פרק ב' סעיף ד'.) וא"כ בדרך כלל אין בזה חשש. בנוגע להחשש שישתמש בהכסף לדברים אסורים. בדרך כלל אין בזה בעי'. (ע"פ דברי אדה"ז או"ח סי' שמ"ז סעיף ד' שכל זמן שיש לתלות שלא ישתמש בחפץ זה לאיסור מותר לתת [ובפרט ע"פ דבריך שיש לו…Show more
  הרמ"א כבר כתב "ונהגו כו' שאומרים עליהם קדיש לעולם" (יורה דעה סימן שע"ו סעיף ד) וכן מפורש בשו"ת רב פעלים ח"ד חלק סוד ישרים סי' יז. וראה בשיחת פורים תש״כ (תורת מנחם ע' 467) בביאור הענין שאין הגבלת…  הרמ"א כבר כתב "ונהגו כו' שאומרים עליהם קדיש לעולם" (יורה דעה סימן שע"ו סעיף ד) וכן מפורש בשו"ת רב פעלים ח"ד חלק סוד ישרים סי' יז. וראה בשיחת פורים תש״כ (תורת מנחם ע' 467) בביאור הענין שאין הגבלת זמן בנוגע ליארצייט. אכן ישנם שמועות שאין לנהוג יארצייט אחרי חמישים שנה, בשם הדברי חיים מצאנז (תהלות חיים, עמוד שפ"א) ובשם השר שלום מבעלז (ספר הדרת קודש, חלק המכתבים), אבל הרבה כבר ערערו על שמועות אלו. ראה לדוגמה שו"ת מנחת אלעזר חלק ה' סימן ל"ג. וכן נהג כ"ק אדמו"ר (מהורש"ב) נ"ע להגיד קדיש בי"ג ניסן אף כשעבר יותר מנ' שנה…Show more
  The saying of Kaddish in general and by a mourner, in particular, has great significance in halacha and more so in kabbala, which is beyond the scope of this answer. Nevertheless, I will give a brief explanation to answer…  The saying of Kaddish in general and by a mourner, in particular, has great significance in halacha and more so in kabbala, which is beyond the scope of this answer. Nevertheless, I will give a brief explanation to answer your questions: Our custom, based on instructions from the previous Rabbeim quoted by the Rebbe, is to say kaddish at least 16 times a day. One of the reasons given is that every Kaddish affects the Neshama for 1 1/2 hours; 16 × 1.5 = 24. Obviously any amount of Kaddish will benefit the Neshama. The minimum one should try…Show more
  Question: In addition to the Kaddeishim that a non-Chazzan recites, may he supplement them by attending another Minyan and reciting the Kaddeishim there as well, even though others are reciting it too?   Answer: He may join an additional…  Question: In addition to the Kaddeishim that a non-Chazzan recites, may he supplement them by attending another Minyan and reciting the Kaddeishim there as well, even though others are reciting it too?   Answer: He may join an additional Minyan to recite extra Kaddeishim, and it is actually appropriate (albeit not obligatory).   Explanation: There is a general rule that just as one diminishes unnecessary Brachos, so too, one should diminish unnecessary Kaddeishim. (There are dissenting opinions who rule that it is proper to increase Kaddeishim, but that is not the accepted practice.) The Rebbe cites this rule…Show more
  The saying of Kaddish in general and by a mourner, in particular, has great significance in Halacha and more so in Kabbala, which is beyond the scope of this answer. Nevertheless, I will give a brief explanation to answer…  The saying of Kaddish in general and by a mourner, in particular, has great significance in Halacha and more so in Kabbala, which is beyond the scope of this answer. Nevertheless, I will give a brief explanation to answer your question: Kaddish was originally written in Aramaic for a variety of reasons: so that the angels should not understand and become jealous of this special praise we give to Hashem; because it causes Hashem to remember the destruction of the Beis Hamikdash and we don't want the angels to be aware of this and use the opportunity to speak…Show more
  The Torah forbids us to wear a garment that contains both wool and linen, which is called Kilayim, or Shatnez. But is it permissible to put on a garment that has not been checked for Shatnez for the purpose…  The Torah forbids us to wear a garment that contains both wool and linen, which is called Kilayim, or Shatnez. But is it permissible to put on a garment that has not been checked for Shatnez for the purpose of modeling it for customers, for example? There is a difference of opinion among Poskim whether this is permissible. However, all Poskim agree that Ha’tznu’im Nimna’im = modest, upright, G-d fearing people should avoid doing so. What is the Halachah regarding trying on a suit in a store to see whether it fits well? Some say that even those Poskim…Show more

I used a Treif Microwave. What now?

  Question: I put a dry tightly closed plastic container with Pareve food inside of a dry non-Kosher microwave without double wrapping it, for one min of heat. What is the status of the food? What is status of the…  Question: I put a dry tightly closed plastic container with Pareve food inside of a dry non-Kosher microwave without double wrapping it, for one min of heat. What is the status of the food? What is status of the container?   Answer: The food is Kosher. Even the container is permissible if we can assume more than 24 hours passed since the microwave was used for non-Kosher. If in doubt, you may assume it’s more than 24 hours. Even if less than 24 hours passed, there is room for leniency.   Sources: ראה רמ״א יו״ד צב, ח בדין שתי קדרות. ותלוי…Show more
  This issue is discussed by several Poskim with reasons to be stringent, as well as reasons to be more lenient. In practice, it depends on the nature of the button. I.e. by regular, simple (non-Choshuve) buttons (as a shirt…  This issue is discussed by several Poskim with reasons to be stringent, as well as reasons to be more lenient. In practice, it depends on the nature of the button. I.e. by regular, simple (non-Choshuve) buttons (as a shirt button), one may take the lenient approach. This leniency would also apply to an important button by nature but the person wearing it has no intention of ever using it, thus making it non-Choshuv. However by an important button, for example, a Kapote button, one should take the stricter approach. Even by such buttons, one may be lenient if the…Show more
  Any time a hot food item or a hot pot that is wet on the bottom (or if the table is wet) is placed on the table, it potentially transfers its taste and status to the table. For example,…  Any time a hot food item or a hot pot that is wet on the bottom (or if the table is wet) is placed on the table, it potentially transfers its taste and status to the table. For example, a hot Milchig food, etc. makes the table Milchig. If the same thing will subsequently be done with Fleishig, there will be an issue. Therefore we must always ensure that the table is covered when hot food is served.     #6241Show more
  Yes. See here: https://asktherav.com/article-279-trying-on-a-garment-not-checked-for-shatnez/     #6255
  In the case of an acquaintance, certainly in the case of cleaning help or handyman as appreciation, it is permissible.   #6257

Sharing hot water urn with Non-Jews

  Full Question:  I share an office with some non-Jews. We have in our office a hot water dispenser; you put your cup underneath the faucet and you press a button to dispense the water. It is possible that some…  Full Question:  I share an office with some non-Jews. We have in our office a hot water dispenser; you put your cup underneath the faucet and you press a button to dispense the water. It is possible that some of the non-Jewish workers use the machine to dispense hot water directly on top of their food. Would that cause an issue to use the machine for me due to the stream of water or the steam?   Answer: There may be an issue involved. Please see here for more details: https://asktherav.com/article-739-are-public-hot-water-urns-kosher/     #6244Show more
  Yes. However, one must also ensure the choice is made with utmost sensitivity to others, in a manner of Shalom.   Sources: או״ז מילה קז. ריקאנטי תקצ. רמ״א ולבוש יו״ד רסד,…
  There are different brands of quinoa and different standards in terms of quality. Quinoa in general is not known to be an infested grain. However, this depends on season, storage and other particulars. From time to time, various alerts…  There are different brands of quinoa and different standards in terms of quality. Quinoa in general is not known to be an infested grain. However, this depends on season, storage and other particulars. From time to time, various alerts are produced by particular kashrus agencies, usually referring to a specific batch with a particular lot number which can be found on the expiration number code on the packaging. At times these alerts are circulated via social media even when the info is no longer relevant as it’s outdated.   How do you check it? It’s highly recommended to check…Show more
  1. Even if there is no meat in a soup but it was cooked with meat, the taste of the meat overrides the taste of the vegetables and the Bracha is Shehakol. 2. If the soup was cooked with…  1. Even if there is no meat in a soup but it was cooked with meat, the taste of the meat overrides the taste of the vegetables and the Bracha is Shehakol. 2. If the soup was cooked with grain which is Mezonos, with the intention of eating the grain, the soup becomes Mezonos even when one drinks the soup on its own. This applies even if it was cooked with meat. If there is now visible meat in the soup, it is questionable whether the visible meat requires its own Bracha. If the soup was cooked just for…Show more
  There is room for leniency when needed as long as it's not noticeable.   Sources: אף שמיוחד לאיש, וכתב הרמ"א רפב, ה אפילו באחד…
  There are technically two options: 1. Although it is recommended for a number of reasons to separate Maaser as soon as one receives earnings, and some Poskim even regard this as a requirement, most Poskim hold that it is…  There are technically two options: 1. Although it is recommended for a number of reasons to separate Maaser as soon as one receives earnings, and some Poskim even regard this as a requirement, most Poskim hold that it is acceptable to make Maaser calculations and allocations for the entire year at once. He may choose any date of the year as the cut-off for accounting purposes. Therefore, you could choose to make your accounting each year on a date at which you should have a good idea of your tax liability. 2. Another option is to estimate your tax…Show more
  You would first have have to see if there is a Kosher version of the ones the hospital gave you. If none are available -which is unlikely - and your doctor requires you to take them, then, if the…  You would first have have to see if there is a Kosher version of the ones the hospital gave you. If none are available -which is unlikely - and your doctor requires you to take them, then, if the medicine is tasteless and non-chewable you may take it. If the medicine is chewable and has a taste, you should crush up the pill into a powder and put it in liquid (so it becomes Batul). If that is not possible, you should wrap the pill in a tissue and it should be consumed that way.   Sources: See S"A Y"D 155:3, Pri Chodesh OC 442 and…Show more
  שאלה: ראיתי בדפים של מדריכי חתנים שנוהגים בלילה הראשון לקיים שלושת הסימנים שמסרה רחל ללאה שהובא בספר חסד לאברהם. האם זה מנהגנו וכך צריך להדריך את החתנים?   תשובה: מנהג חב"ד בזה לא ידוע לי. (ואכ״מ מה ההגדרה של…  שאלה: ראיתי בדפים של מדריכי חתנים שנוהגים בלילה הראשון לקיים שלושת הסימנים שמסרה רחל ללאה שהובא בספר חסד לאברהם. האם זה מנהגנו וכך צריך להדריך את החתנים?   תשובה: מנהג חב"ד בזה לא ידוע לי. (ואכ״מ מה ההגדרה של מנהג חב"ד). יש מדריכים שמלמדים את זה רק לליל החתונה, וישנם שמלמדים לכל פעם (כמשמעות החסד לאברהם), וישנם שאינם מלמדים את זה כלל. לענ"ד כדאי ללמד את זה ולומר שיש כאלה שנוהגים כך ושזו בבחינת יקדש עצמו וכו׳. ולכן כדאי לעשות את זה לפחות בליל החתונה (כמובן בתיאום מראש עם האשה שלא תהיה מופתעת מהנהגה כזו וד"ל). והעיקר שידעו הלכות…Show more
  Question: On Shabbos when we wash hands for Hamotzi, do we need to say the Bracha Hamotzi or just say Amen to Baal Habayis? Do we have to say Amen or is it an Hefsek since we have already…  Question: On Shabbos when we wash hands for Hamotzi, do we need to say the Bracha Hamotzi or just say Amen to Baal Habayis? Do we have to say Amen or is it an Hefsek since we have already washed?   Answer: According to Halacha it is sufficient to respond Amen to the Bracha of the Baal Habayis and there is no need to say your own Hamotzi. Nonetheless, many have the custom that everybody says their own Hamotzi. Regardless, Amen must be said, and it is not a Hefsek, even if you are making your own Hamotzi.  …Show more
  Birkas Hagomel is made when there is a chance of Sakana. If the deer crashed into the car and there is a chance of Sakana C"V to life, then they would make Hagomel. This is similar to a wall…  Birkas Hagomel is made when there is a chance of Sakana. If the deer crashed into the car and there is a chance of Sakana C"V to life, then they would make Hagomel. This is similar to a wall falling on a person.   Sources: See S"A A"C 218:9 and Piskie Teshuvos there.  …Show more
  If when prepared the pieces do not clump or stick together, it is permitted. If when prepared the pieces clump or stick together, it is permitted if the following conditions are met: A lot of liquid should be poured…  If when prepared the pieces do not clump or stick together, it is permitted. If when prepared the pieces clump or stick together, it is permitted if the following conditions are met: A lot of liquid should be poured in, making it a loose mixture which can be poured. The normal order of mixing should be changed. (I.e. if normally the liquid is poured first and then the dry ingredients, you should first place the dry ingredients and then the liquid and vice versa). If the liquid is poured after the dry ingredients, it should be poured all at…Show more

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